“The Memphis Grizzlies, along with a few other teams, have received word that Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has no interest in being traded there,” Haynes said in a video posted to X Tuesday.
Memphis was considered a possible landing spot, but Butler’s impending free agency gives him leverage with teams that may try to make a move.
Suns are only team willing to give Butler the contract he desires
Date: Jan. 7
Source: Brian Windhorst, ESPN
Windhorst explained on ESPN’s “First Take” that the root of these problems stems from Pat Riley’s announcement that the team would not extend Butler’s contract. Butler is seeking an extension, but he is unwilling to sign with anyone.
Among interested teams, the Suns are willing to accommodate all of Butler’s requests.
“Jimmy Butler will not sign an extension with any team. And so, because teams are aware of this, they are currently offering the Heat the poo-poo platter,” Windhorst explained. “There’s only one team that is ready to pay Jimmy Butler exactly what he wants, and that’s the Phoenix Suns.”
Warriors likely out on Butler
Date: Jan. 4
Source: The Athletic
Golden State is reportedly out on Butler. Instead, the Warriors are more interested in adding someone like Vucevic. The latter is much more likely due to his more manageable contract. Butler would cost more than double what rostering Vucevic would.
Heat suspend Jimmy Butler, will listen to offers
Date: Jan. 3
Source: Miami Heat
Butler has been suspended by the Heat for seven games for conduct detrimental to the team. Miami cited his conduct throughout the season, with a focus on the last few weeks.
The Heat also stated that they are well aware that Butler wants to be traded and will now consider offers.
Jimmy Butler requests trade and ‘is open to playing anywhere other than Miami’
Date: Jan. 2
Source: Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst, ESPN
After losing to Indiana, Butler “indicated” to the franchise that he wanted to be traded.
According to Charania and Windhorst, Butler has no preferred destinations and “is open to playing anywhere other than Miami.”
According to the report, Butler’s decision was influenced by Heat officials’ implication that he did not give his all during the team’s Jan. 1 win over the Pelicans.
Heat issue statement reaffirming commitment to Butler
Date: Dec. 26
Source: Miami Heat
In response to trade rumors surrounding Butler, Heat President Pat Riley issues a definitive statement indicating the franchise will not be engaging in trade talks.
We usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear – We are not trading Jimmy Butler.
Jimmy Butler ‘prefers trade’ out of Miami
Date: Dec. 25
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
During the NBA Christmas Day slate, Charania reports that Butler “is believed to be ready for his exit” from Miami.
Butler’s desire to move on is said to stem from failed contract extension negotiations in the summer of 2024. Butler, 35, has a player option for the 2025-26 season and seeks longer-term stability.
According to Charania, Butler’s preferred destinations at the time were the Suns, Warriors, Mavericks, and Rockets.
Jimmy Butler contract
Butler signed a three-year contract extension worth $146.4 million with the Heat in 2021. This season, he will earn $48.8 million as part of the extension.
Butler has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, but he is expected to opt out of the final year to gain more long-term flexibility on what may be his final major contract. He’ll turn 36 in September.
| Season |
Age |
Salary |
| 2024-25 |
35 |
$48,798,677 |
| 2025-26 |
36 |
$52,413,394 (PO) |
| 2026 |
37 |
UFA |
SOURCE
